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Friday, July 27, 2012

Top 10 Foods to Lower High Blood Pressure

I recently visited my doctor's office for an annual check up and was very surprised to find out that I have higher than normal blood pressure. This was the first time that any doctor has told me this and she was concerned enough that we discussed changing the medications I take, follow up blood pressure readings, and even seeing an internist. This is scary stuff. I'm not even in my 30's yet and although it wasn't a dangerously high number, it was high enough that it set off an alarm for my doctor. That's enough for me to know that it is time to get serious about my health before any real damage is done.

Just to look better in my jeans, I know I need to lose a few pounds-- trust me, I have definitely slacked on my diet and exercise since the wedding. I was pretty regimented for a full year making sure that I looked my best in that dress and I have admittedly become too relaxed with keeping it up since then. When my doctor also suggested that I lose weight I was offended at first (no doctor has ever told me that before-- even when I was legitimately FAT in college!), but then she also mentioned that this could play a huge role in lowering my blood pressure. After a few days of being really irritated with her, I did my own research and she was right. I do need to take control of my health and my future family's health.

From now on I'm going to be much more dilligent about sticking to a rigorous exercise routine. Even on those days that I really don't feel like it, I will at least get on the exercise bike or take a walk around my neighborhood. And although I already eat pretty well, it's time to buckle down there too. Especially when we're dining out. That's really where I lose all will power. I did some research and made a list of 10 of the top foods to eat to lower blood pressure and I am going to make a real effort to start including them in my everyday diet, which means that you will be seeing these ingredients in more and more of the recipes that I post here. I've also provided links to a few of the recipes that already live here on A Squared and include those ingredients.

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A Squared is all about life, love, and the pursuit of great food here in the fabulous city of Chicago. I love food: both cooking (it's my therapy) and trying new restaurants. You can also find me exploring Chicago, traveling, drinking wine, studying architecture, and spending time with my husband, friends & family. And I will share it all with you here.
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